Also known as Common Lovage · Garden Levisticum · Libbsticka
Garden Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a tall, perennial herb with a strong celery-like aroma and flavor, ideal for soups, stews, and savory dishes.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, but tolerates some afternoon shade in hotter climates.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water when the top few centimeters are dry.
Well-drained, fertile soil
50% intensity
Hardy Perennial
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures; thrives in cool to moderate climates. Protect from extreme heat.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Light Feeding
25% intensity
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring or top-dress with compost. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Garden Lovage prefers consistently moist soil but dislikes waterlogged conditions. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in cooler months.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially in containers or poorly draining garden beds.
Cut back the plant in spring to encourage new growth and improve shape. Harvest leaves regularly throughout the growing season to promote bushiness.
Remove flowering stalks if you want to concentrate energy into leaf production and flavor. Prune heavily in late autumn.
Garden Lovage is easily propagated by division in spring or early autumn. Carefully separate the root ball into sections, ensuring each has roots and at least one viable shoot.
Replant divisions immediately into prepared soil.
If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years in spring to refresh the soil and provide more space. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one. Use a good quality, well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Garden Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
Where Garden Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Levisticum |
| Species | Levisticum officinale |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
